Save Article

Long War of Words Before Death

By

Tamer El-Ghobashy

Updated March 10, 2011 12:01 a.m. ET

In February of 2003, Stephen and Audrey Mininni were shoveling in front of their Bensonhurst home when they were approached by a furious neighbor who accused them of pushing their snow onto his property.

The neighbor, Carmelo Calabra, then punched Mr. Mininni in the face and swung a shovel at Ms. Mininni while threatening to kill them and set their home on fire, according to court papers filed in the case.